Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for former defence minister and Congress of the People (Cope) co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota.
National flags are to fly at half-mast from Saturday morning until the evening of his funeral in Bloemfontein next Saturday.
Lekota died on Wednesday at the age of 77.
The Presidency said the funeral would include ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service.
Under South Africa’s official funeral policy, a Special Official Funeral Category 2 is reserved for distinguished persons designated by the president and includes police ceremonial honours. Category 1 carries military ceremonial elements.
In announcing the honour, the Presidency cited Lekota’s role as a struggle activist, Robben Island detainee, Delmas Treason Trial accused, the inaugural chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, premier of the Free State, minister of defence and co-founder of Cope.
“President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Lekota family, the Congress of the People and Mr Lekota’s comrades and associates across the political spectrum,” the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa paid tribute to Lekota as “a patriot, freedom fighter, and servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with our journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy”.
“We honour him especially for his principled dedication to non-racialism during our struggle and in a liberated South Africa,” he said.
“We deeply value his service to his home province, where he served as Premier, and to our Armed Forces and our national security, in his role as Minister of Defence.”
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